HOW WE MANAGE OUR FISHERIES

The cornerstone of New Zealand's fisheries management regime is the Quota Management System(QMS), which has protected our fisheries since 1986 ensuring there is plenty of seafood for generations to come.

There are 100 species managed under the QMS.

Meet Our Fishers

Watch Video

Meet Johhny Burkhart, a rock lobster fishermen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GAvyyw-Z-M

Watch Video

Meet Chris Patrick, a deepwater skipper from Nelson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKGAF-upwrM

Watch Video

Meet Tony Roach, an inshore fisherman from Nelson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYOi1Rm91o

OUR WORLD LEADING SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE

Our farmed species are managed to the highest standard and is building further on its sustainability credentials with the launch of A+, the new standard of sustainable aquaculture.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AND RESPECTED

The New Zealand is internationally respected for its innovative and world-leading approach tosustainable science-based fisheries and aquaculture management.

Five popular New Zealand fish species, albacore tuna, hake, hoki, ling and southern blue whiting have all gained Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the global gold standard for sustainability. There are more species being prepared for certification with three of our orange roughy fisheries currently undergoing the MSC assessment process.

THE HEALTH OF NEW ZEALAND'S FISHERIES

HOW FISH STOCKS ARE COUNTED

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish - Fisheries scientists measure the abundance of our fishstocks. See how the fish are counted.

SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sound peer-reviewed science underpins the management for New Zealand's fisheries. NIWA plays a major role in ensuring our fisheries remain sustainable. Find out more about NIWA's work.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Our professional fishermen and fish farmers care about the environment. Their footprint is light.

More that 90 percent of the seabed is untouched by trawlers and as well as many other voluntary closures, there are 44 marine reserves in our waters where there is no fishing.

Industry has led by establishing benthic protection areas (BPAs) to protect the sea bed. No trawling can occur in these areas which cover more than 30 percent of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - that's more than four times New Zealand's land mass.

The industry works in partnership with government agencies and NGO and has a wide range of initiatives to minimise the impact of fishing on marine mammals and seabirds.

ENSURING EVERYONE PLAYS BY THE RULES

There are rules and restrictions in place to carefully manage our fisheries. Catch limits, observers, and other measures help to ensure sustainability and access for all New Zealanders.